RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that NorrisBuilt Fabrication LLC will invest $1.5 million to expand its welding and fabrication operation in Wise County. The company recently acquired the MDJ Machine Shop, expanding its service offerings and customer base. Virginia successfully competed against Kentucky for the project, which will create 24 new jobs.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “NorrisBuilt Fabrication’s decision to expand its operation in Wise County is great news for Southwest Virginia and the Commonwealth. Growing the advanced manufacturing industry in Virginia, and particularly in rural parts of the state, is a key part of our efforts to grow, diversify and build a new Virginia economy.”
“The expansion of a company that provides welding services to other businesses is a great example of why we are focused on creating a workforce that is skilled in these important technical areas,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “Providing opportunities for communities that have the right competencies in these areas will help them attract and grow jobs. We congratulate NorrisBuilt Fabrication, Norton and Wise County, and we look forward to continuing the partnership for years to come.”
NorrisBuilt Fabrication specializes in welding and fabrication, and supplies many services to companies within the region that depend upon the company to provide quality product services in a timely manner. NorrisBuilt has become a strong supplier in the Tri-State region, serving its manufacturing base and service companies. Ronald Norris has developed a line of brackets and skids that are used in the prefabricated buildings for the telecommunications industry, including Verizon and other wireless companies.
“While researching for the best place to expand NorrisBuilt, we discovered how business-friendly Virginia really is; the lower business taxes and workmen's compensation rates were certainly enticing,” said Ronald Norris, Owner, NorrisBuilt Fabrication. “The real difference was the individuals representing the various agencies working together to provide the best package possible. The team formed by the Governor's Office, Virginia Tobacco Commission, VCEDA, Wise County IDA and Mountain Empire's SBDC were awesome. We are ready to grow a solid business in Southwest Virginia with their support.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Wise County, the Wise County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA). Governor McAuliffe approved a $75,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Wise County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $75,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds. The VCEDA Board of Directors approved an $825,000 loan to the Wise County IDA to assist with the project. The Wise County IDA will lease the building to NorrisBuilt Fabrication. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, administered by VEDP.
Wise County Industrial Development Authority Chairman Kenny Gilley said, “We are pleased and gratified to have been a part of this growth and expansion project. NorrisBuilt Fabrication is an example of the entrepreneur spirit and work ethic we enjoy. The company has developed a niche market in Southwest Virginia. It is the only remaining machine shop in the immediate region and fills a need for the customer base it serves.”
“We are happy to assist Wise County and NorrisBuilt Fabrication with Tobacco Commission funds to create these jobs in Wise County, said Delegate Terry Kilgore, Chairman of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. “Any day that you create jobs is a great day.”
“NorrisBuilt is a local business grown right here in Southwest Virginia,” said Senator Ben Chafin. “I am proud of the work our local and state officials were able to accomplish to assist NorrisBuilt with their expansion. These new jobs for Wise County are a vital step to rebuilding our regional economy.”